DeSoto Eagle Eye

For years, the campus has been following the grading policy that allowed students to receive no lower than a “50” for the final grade for the six weeks’ grading period.

However, with the arrival of the 2009-2010 school year, the grading policy changed, allowing teachers the option of giving the student the grade they actually earn- despite the poor quality of the average for the first semester. Many students believe that it is unfair. However, according to a recent survey, most teachers who were surveyed believe that students should receive the grade they earned. However, the reality of the situation is that most kids do try, but contiue to fail. However there are still those students who just sometimes fail regardless.

“Most kids try and sometimes fail,” said sophomore Pablo Suraez. According to Suarez, sometimes tutoring just does not help, and some kids don’t improve. “If students try, they should at least be given a chance, and others that don’t care should just leave,” said Pablo Suarez.

Students have many options for help if needed. Tutoring and homework help is available for those who need more assistance. Although, there are some who have not made much academic improvement according to averages, the new grading policy is all up to the teacher for that particular course that the student is failing.

“ I give my students what they actually earn,” said Brandie Whetstone, Spanish teacher. Whetstone wants to encourage her students about accountability before they actually leave high school and enter the real world.

Changing the grading policy is believed to bring improvements in the averages of students and very much bringing plenty of encouragement in the fight of pulling in above “70” semester finals.

Written By: Celeste Arrendondo Staff Writer